Full Breakdown
Kate Bush Mourns Missing Friend Matthew Upham After Christmas Day Swim
12/29/2025, 8:11:22 PM
Incident Overview
On Christmas Day, December 25, 2023, singer-songwriter Kate Bush expressed her heartbreak over the disappearance of her friend, Matthew Upham, during a swim in Budleigh Salterton, Devon. Upham, a 63-year-old antiques dealer, was one of two men reported missing after emergency services responded to concerns about swimmers in distress amid rough sea conditions. The coastguard and RNLI lifeboats were deployed shortly after 10:25 GMT, but the search operation was called off around 17:00 GMT the same day.
Tribute from Kate Bush
In a heartfelt tribute posted on her official website, Bush described Upham as one of her "very dearest friends," emphasizing his kindness, thoughtfulness, and zest for life. She noted that he was a strong swimmer with a passion for kayaking and understood the importance of respecting the sea. Bush stated, "It’s so tragic that he lost his life this way. The world has lost someone incredibly special." She expressed her condolences to Upham's family and friends, who are also grieving his loss.
Family and Community Response
Upham's family released a statement on his business's Instagram account, describing him as "deeply loved and will be forever missed." They thanked the emergency services, particularly the RNLI and coastguard, for their dedication and professionalism during the search efforts. The family requested privacy as they navigate their grief.
Emergency Response and Safety Concerns
The HM Coastguard reported that they responded to multiple calls regarding individuals in difficulty in the water. Rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were also involved in the search. Following the incident, several Christmas and Boxing Day swims in Devon and Cornwall were canceled due to a Met Office yellow weather warning for wind, urging swimmers to avoid the sea in the days following the event.
Criticism and Community Sentiment
Despite the tragic circumstances, some community members reflected on Upham's character, describing him as "the kindest person" and "a beautiful man with the sweetest soul." Friends shared their memories, highlighting his positive impact on those around him. The Budleigh Salterton Christmas swim, which has transitioned from an organized charity event to a more informal gathering, faced scrutiny regarding safety measures in light of the incident.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the search for Upham continues, details surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear. Reports indicate that Upham may have attempted to assist another swimmer before being swept away, but this has not been confirmed by official sources. As of December 26, police inquiries are ongoing, and further updates are anticipated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He was extraordinarily kind, thoughtful and lived life to the full. He was also a great deal of fun. His family are heartbroken and along with many of his friends, so am I. Matthew was a very strong swimmer. He had a great love for kayaking. He understood that the sea should be respected.” — Kate Bush
- “View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matthew Upham Antiques (@matthew_upham_antiques) It said: “Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed.” — Family Statement
- “The world has lost someone incredibly special.” — Kate Bush
